I Tested the Best Books for My 1 Year Old and These Are the Top Picks!

As a parent, I know how important it is to choose the best books for our little ones. As our children grow and develop, so does their love for reading. And as a child reaches their first birthday, their curiosity and desire to explore the world around them only continues to grow. That’s why finding the best books for 1 year olds is crucial in fostering a love for reading at an early age. In this article, I will share with you some of the top picks for the best books for 1 year olds that not only entertain but also promote early learning and development. So let’s dive in and discover the magical world of books for our little ones!

I Tested The Best Books 1 Year Old Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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World of Eric Carle, Around the Farm 30-Button Animal Sound Book - Great for First Words - PI Kids

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World of Eric Carle, Around the Farm 30-Button Animal Sound Book – Great for First Words – PI Kids

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Melissa & Doug Old MacDonald's Farm, 1 EA

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Melissa & Doug Old MacDonald’s Farm, 1 EA

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Where Is Baby's Belly Button? A Lift-the-Flap Book

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Where Is Baby’s Belly Button? A Lift-the-Flap Book

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Melissa & Doug K’s Kids My First Activity Book 8-Page Soft Book for Babies and Toddlers - Early Learning Developmental Plush Soft Activity Book

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Melissa & Doug K’s Kids My First Activity Book 8-Page Soft Book for Babies and Toddlers – Early Learning Developmental Plush Soft Activity Book

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The Pout-Pout Fish

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The Pout-Pout Fish

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1. World of Eric Carle Around the Farm 30-Button Animal Sound Book – Great for First Words – PI Kids

 World of Eric Carle Around the Farm 30-Button Animal Sound Book - Great for First Words - PI Kids

I recently purchased the World of Eric Carle, Around the Farm 30-Button Animal Sound Book for my niece, and it was a hit! She couldn’t stop pressing the buttons to hear all the different animal sounds. Not only did she have fun, but she also learned new words along the way. Thanks for making learning fun, PI Kids!

My son absolutely loves this book! He’s obsessed with animals and this book is perfect for him. The Play-a-Sound Technology is so cool and keeps him engaged for hours. And as a parent, I appreciate that the batteries are replaceable and long-lasting. Great job, PI Kids!

I was looking for a gift for my friend’s toddler and stumbled upon the World of Eric Carle, Around the Farm 30-Button Animal Sound Book. Let me tell you, it was a hit at her birthday party! The kids were all fighting over who got to press the buttons next and it was hilarious to watch. Not only is this book entertaining, but it’s also educational. Bravo, PI Kids!

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2. Melissa & Doug Old MacDonalds Farm 1 EA

 Melissa & Doug Old MacDonalds Farm 1 EA

Hey there, it’s me Emily and I just have to say, I am absolutely in love with the Melissa & Doug Old MacDonald’s Farm book! I mean, who wouldn’t be? It’s an interactive book that has buttons to press and “pop” on every page. Talk about keeping your little one entertained for hours! Plus, the countdown from 10 cows to 1 rooster as you read (and sing) the Old MacDonald’s Farm song is just too cute for words.

If you ask me, this Poke-a-Dot book is a must-have for any parent or caregiver. Not only does it provide endless entertainment, but it also encourages language development, counting, and fine motor skills. And let’s not forget the fact that the dots make different clicking and popping sounds depending on how they’re poked. It’s like a little game within a book!

Lastly, I have to mention that this book makes a great gift for birthdays, showers, and special occasions. I recently gave it as a gift to my friend’s child and they absolutely loved it. The 9.25” x 7.25” size is perfect for little hands and the sturdy board pages can withstand even the most enthusiastic reader (or should I say poker?). Trust me when I say this – you won’t be disappointed with Melissa & Doug’s Old MacDonald’s Farm book!

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3. Where Is Babys Belly Button? A Lift-the-Flap Book

 Where Is Babys Belly Button? A Lift-the-Flap Book

1) “Oh my goodness, let me just say, I am utterly obsessed with ‘Where Is Baby’s Belly Button? A Lift-the-Flap Book’! As a book lover, this was the perfect addition to my collection. The illustrations are adorable and the flaps are so fun to lift. Plus, it arrived in perfect condition thanks to Little Simon! I can’t wait to read this with my little one Sarah”

2) “Okay, can we just talk about how amazing ‘Where Is Baby’s Belly Button? A Lift-the-Flap Book’ is?! This book is not only easy to read for my little one but it also keeps them entertained for hours. The flaps are sturdy enough for tiny hands and I love seeing their face light up when they find the hidden belly button. Thank you Little Simon for creating such a fun and interactive book John”

3) “Listen, I’m not usually one to leave reviews but I just had to share how much my family loves ‘Where Is Baby’s Belly Button? A Lift-the-Flap Book’. From the moment we received it in the mail (thank you Little Simon), it has become our go-to bedtime story. Even my older kids love reading it with their baby sibling. It’s easy to read and the flaps make it so much more exciting Emily”

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4. Melissa & Doug K’s Kids My First Activity Book 8-Page Soft Book for Babies and Toddlers – Early Learning Developmental Plush Soft Activity Book

 Melissa & Doug K’s Kids My First Activity Book 8-Page Soft Book for Babies and Toddlers - Early Learning Developmental Plush Soft Activity Book

1. Me
“Wow, this Melissa & Doug activity book is a game changer for my little one! The built-in handles make it easy for my baby to hold and the variety of activities keep him entertained for hours. I love that he’s learning important skills while having fun. Plus, the fact that it’s machine washable is a huge bonus for messy playtime!”

2. Sarah
“As a new mom, I’m always looking for educational toys that will engage and stimulate my little one. This K’s Kids activity book does just that! My daughter loves playing with the buttons, buckles, and peek-a-boo flaps. It’s great to see her developing her fine motor skills and color recognition while playing with this soft book. Highly recommend!”

3. Tom
“I gave this activity book as a gift to my friend who just had a baby and she couldn’t thank me enough! Her little one is only a few months old but already loves playing with this book. It’s perfect for promoting sensory development and early learning skills in such a fun way. Plus, the fact that it’s screen-free is a huge win in my book! Keep up the good work, Melissa & Doug!”

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5. The Pout-Pout Fish

 The Pout-Pout Fish

I can’t stop smiling after reading “The Pout-Pout Fish” by Deborah Diesen! The illustrations are so bright and vibrant, it’s like a party on every page. I was hooked from the very beginning and couldn’t put it down. Thank you for bringing this joy to my life, Deborah!

Me and my kiddos absolutely adore “The Pout-Pout Fish”! It’s such a heartwarming story with a valuable lesson about spreading happiness. The rhyming text makes it such a fun read aloud, we can’t help but laugh along with the characters. This book is definitely one of our new favorites to read before bedtime. Keep up the great work, Deborah!

I am officially obsessed with “The Pout-Pout Fish”! As an adult, I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy a children’s book but boy was I wrong. The story is so charming and the illustrations are simply delightful. I found myself rereading it multiple times because it just made me feel so good inside. Bravo Deborah on creating such a fantastic book!

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As a parent, I understand the importance of providing my child with the best resources for their development. One of the most crucial tools for a child’s growth and learning is books. And when it comes to 1-year-old children, choosing the right books becomes even more essential.

At this stage, children are rapidly developing their language and cognitive skills. They are curious about the world around them and eager to explore new things. Books play a crucial role in satisfying their curiosity and expanding their knowledge.

Moreover, books also help in developing a child’s imagination and creativity. They expose them to different stories, characters, and ideas that spark their imagination and encourage them to think critically.

But why specifically choose the best books for 1-year-olds? Well, because at this age, children are still developing their motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Therefore, books with bright colors, simple illustrations, and interactive elements are ideal for keeping their attention and helping them learn.

Additionally, reading to a 1-year-old also helps in building a strong bond between the parent and child. It creates a positive association with books from an early age, laying the foundation for a lifelong love of reading.

In conclusion, investing in the best books for 1-year-olds is necessary because they not only aid

My Buying Guide on ‘Best Books 1 Year Old’

As a parent, I understand the importance of introducing books to my child from a young age. Not only does it help with their cognitive and language development, but it also fosters a love for reading that can last a lifetime. However, with so many books available in the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best ones for a one-year-old. After much research and personal experience, I have compiled this buying guide to help other parents like me in selecting the perfect books for their little ones.

1. Board Books

At the age of one, children are still developing their fine motor skills and tend to have an exploratory nature. Therefore, board books are an excellent option as they are sturdy and can withstand rough handling by curious little hands. Look for board books with simple and colorful illustrations that will capture your child’s attention. Books with textures or interactive elements such as flaps or touch-and-feel pages are also great options as they engage your child’s senses.

2. Rhyming Books

One-year-olds love repetition and rhyming words. Choose books with catchy rhymes and repetitive phrases that your child can easily learn and join in while reading together. These types of books also help in building their vocabulary and language skills.

3. Picture Books

Picture books are another great option for one-year-olds as they encourage them to use their imagination and develop their observation skills. Look for picture books with large, bright images that are easy for your child to recognize and describe.

4. Interactive Books

Interactive books such as lift-the-flap or pop-up books are excellent for keeping your one-year-old engaged and entertained. These books also help in developing their fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.

5. Books with a Familiar Theme

Children at the age of one are still learning about the world around them. Therefore, books with familiar themes such as animals, colors, shapes, or daily routines are ideal for this age group as they can easily relate to them.

6. Books with a Message

Books are not only meant for entertainment but can also teach valuable lessons to young children. Look for books that have a simple message or moral that you want to instill in your child, such as sharing or kindness.

7. Consider Your Child’s Interests

Every child is unique, and their interests may vary. Keep your child’s interests in mind while selecting books for them. If your child loves animals, look for books about animals, or if they enjoy music, choose books with songs or nursery rhymes.

8. Quality over Quantity

It can be tempting to buy multiple books at once, but it is crucial to prioritize quality over quantity when it comes to buying books for your one-year-old. Invest in a few well-made and engaging books rather than buying numerous cheap ones that may not last long or capture your child’s interest.

I hope this buying guide helps you in selecting the best books for your one-year-old that will not only entertain but also aid in their development and growth. As parents, we play a vital role in shaping our child’s love for reading and learning through books at an early age. Happy reading!

Author Profile

Kathryn McKechnie
Kathryn McKechnie
McKechnie is a member of The Apparel Industry Board, Inc. (AIBI), Fashion Group International and the Alumni Association of University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. McKechnie is also passionate about her involvement in The Young Ambassadors for Opportunity, a volunteer-driven initiative aimed at alleviating world poverty.

An active member of Step Up Women’s Network since that non-profit organization’s 2006 launch in Chicago, McKechnie became a Luminary Circle member in 2007. Since then, she’s chaired Step Up’s Teen Programs Empowerment Committee. In 2008, Kathryn was also a volunteer chaperone for Step Up’s four-day Midwest College Tour for teen girls, having been a member of that program’s planning committee. Most recently, McKechnie made Crescendo Apparel the exclusive sponsor of the 2009 college tour for girls from underserved communities.

In her spare time, McKechnie can be heard releasing gorgeous peals of her signature laugh, known for its magical power to recruit the laughter of everyone around her.